Style and substance: The best Japanese RPGs on PS4 and PS5

Discover some of the best JRPGs available on PlayStation consoles, including titan franchises like FINAL FANTASY and cult favourites like NieR:Automata.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

The second entry in the Final Fantasy VII remake project sees Cloud and his allies – Barret, Aerith, Tifa and Red XIII – leave Midgar to explore the world of Gaia. The party pursues Sephiroth, a mysterious and vengeful swordsman assumed to be dead.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a continuation of the remake’s story and a standalone adventure, meaning beginners can enjoy it. This PlayStation 5 exclusive delivers a new standard of cinematic storytelling, fast-paced combat and rewarding adventuring.

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Tales of ARISE

The latest entry in the ongoing ‘Tales’ franchise, Tales of ARISE tells story of two intrepid heroes, each born on different words, but united by a desire to challenge fate and build a new future.

Featuring a diverse cast of characters, an intuitive and rewarding combat system and a captivating story, with Tales of ARISE developer Bandai Namco Studios aims to capitalise on decades of experience in the role-playing genre to deliver a memorable, first class JRPG experience. 

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Metaphor: ReFantazio

From the creative minds behind Persona 3, 4 and 5 comes Metaphor: ReFantazio. Enter a unique fantasy world where your protagonist will journey alongside his fairy companion, Gallica, to lift the curse from the kingdom’s lost prince.

Control your destiny, face your fears and awaken magical 'Archetype' powers. Strengthen your bonds and build your party to take down powerful foes and discover the kingdom’s true nature.

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STAR OCEAN THE DIVINE FORCE

Join a new cast of heroes and set off on a sci-fantasy adventure from veteran devleoper Tri-Ace in the latest entry of the iconic Star Ocean series. 

On a routine transport mission, Raymond Lawrence’s spaceship is attacked by the Pangalactic Federation and he crash lands on an underdeveloped planet. He meets Princess Laeticia, who is fighting to protect her homeland from an invading empire. Together, they set off on an adventure that will shake the foundations of the entire universe.

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What does JRPG stand for?

JRPG stands for 'Japanese Role-Playing Game'. They are traditionally story-driven adventure games developed in Japan, featuring a group of pre-defined characters journeying on a quest fraught with danger. Typical traits of the genre include turn-based combat, fantasy elements (especially magic), extensive character and/or squad customization, and character progression or 'levelling' systems. 

Unicorn Overlord

Reclaim a treacherous continent consumed by evil in this tactical fantasy RPG from Vanillaware, the makers of 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim and Dragon’s Crown, and featuring the studio’s unmistakable visual style.

Take up arms as Alain, an exiled prince, and conquer an enormous overworld. Raise an army with over 60 unique characters, including humans, beasts, elves and angels, and dive into innovative turn-based battles.

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Persona 5 The Royal

With each new entry (and eventual re-release), the Persona series has steadily gained popularity on the back of its heady blend of dungeon crawling, monster capturing, and management of daytime social/romance commitments.

This time, Japanese high schoolers use their newly-awakened personas to change the actions of villains by diving into their subconscious. The Royal version adds even more content and quality-of-life updates, giving you an astounding number of hours for the asking price.

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Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion 

Explore a different side of Midgar and see familiar characters in new lights in this prequel to Final Fantasy VII. Discover SOLDIER’s origins and the truth behind experiments that made Zack Fair and Cloud Strife into elite super-soldiers.

An updated version of the PSP classic, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion features fully remastered graphics, voiced dialogue, a revised battle system and a newly arranged soundtrack from original composer Takeharu Ishimoto.

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Octopath Traveller II

Featuring beautiful HD-2D graphics and fusing classic JRPG mechanics with new gameplay elements, this third entry in the Octopath Traveler series sends eight characters on an all-new adventure in the world of Solistia.

Move between travellers as you explore everyone’s motivations and ambitions. Learn about the secretive Moonshade Order, which means to bring eternal night to the land. And walk your own paths on an adventure all your own..

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Are all JRPGs alike?

Not at all! The JRPG has evolved significantly since its early days and now encompasses a range of sub-genres, including tactical RPGs and action RPGs, which absorb elements from other genres. The lines can get blurry, but this list focuses on more traditional titles within the genre.

DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age

There’s perhaps no more perfect distillation of the traditional JRPG formula than DRAGON QUEST XI. The acclaimed sequel deftly mixes turn-based sword-swinging and spell-hurling combat with world-ending stakes and a cast of characters that personify what has made this series a mainstay for decades. 

Despite ticking nearly all the JRPG boxes, the sheer size and variety of the places you’ll see in this lovingly hand-crafted world makes it a joy to explore. “Traditional” need not feel antiquated, and DQXI pays homage to the way Japanese fantasy RPGs used to be.

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Ys IX: Monstrum Nox

When the adventurer Adol ‘The Red’ Christin finds himself turned into a Monstrum, he must ally with five others like himself to unravel the mysteries of this curse and fend off threats from the shadow dimension of Grimwald Nox.

Control six Monstrums, each with unique skills, using their supernatural gifts and exorcising monsters. Explore a massive city and use fan-favorite mechanics to overcome foes in this new entry in the legendary Ys series.

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NieR:Automata

Explore a truly unique vision of far-future Earth from celebrated creator Yoko Taro. Take control of YorHa androids 2B, 9S and A2 and face down a dangerous machine threat using a range of melee, ranged and hacking abilities.

Told in Taro’s signature non-linear fashion, NieR:Automata spins a high-concept tale of survival, subterfuge and personal struggle as androids question their purpose and venture far beyond the realm of their programming. 

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Persona 4 Golden

Embark on unforgettable adventures with a memorable group of friends, building social bonds and sharing heart-warming experiences in this home console update of the PlayStation Vita classic.

Venture into the terrifying TV world and use your party’s Personas – powerful physical manifestations of the user’s psyche – to combat intimidating foes. Added quality of life features make this the perfect way to experience Persona 4 Golden’s rich narrative and vibrant aesthetic.

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Are all RPGs made in Japan JRPGs?

Not quite. DARK SOULS, Nioh and Dragon's Dogma, for example, are hugely successful RPGs from Japanese studios, but they're not generally considered JRPGs. Likewise, there are games made outside Japan that many would consider JRPGs. It's best to think of JRPGs as a genre with a strong - but not exclusive - footing in Japanese culture. 

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Two Yakuza series icons – Kazuma Kiryu and Ichiban Kasuga – come together for an adventure set in Japan and Hawaii. Enjoy unique quests, minigames and side jobs like karaoke and food delivery, and encounter memorable characters old and new in this uniquely idiosyncratic experience.

In Yakuza tradition, fast-paced and outlandish combat awaits our heroes, and their party’s skills can be adapted to any situation. Fists will fly, but expect off-kilter comedy, too. 

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Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance

From the makers of Persona, this expanded version of the acclaimed Shin Megami Tensei V features a brand-new storyline, new locations, demons and choices to make. 

Follow two story paths through a decimated Tokyo, encountering hundreds of familiar demons and dozens of new ones to battle or befriend. Vengeance also offers more accessible gameplay, an improved battle system and greater exploration.

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The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak

Play as an underground professional who’ll work for any client as a detective, negotiator or bounty hunter in this colourful adventure where a strange case threatens the entire Republic of Calvard.

Trails Through Daybreak features an alignment system based on law and chaos, while combat comes in two modes, real-time action and turn-based battles, which can be switched between outside of boss encounters.

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Chained Echoes

Inspired by 16-bit JRPGs, Chained Echoes follows a group of heroes as they travel around the continent of Valandis during a time of war between three kingdoms – a war that has already spanned and scarred several generations.

Sunken cities and windswept planes await, likewise exotic archipelagos and foreboding dungeons, into which only the bravest (or most foolhardy) would venture. Pilot mechs and encounter dragons in this enthralling love letter to adventure games past.

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Granblue Fantasy: Relink

The world of JRPG sensation Granblue Fantasy - first introduced to PlayStation audiences with Granblue Fantasy Versus - is now realised in a fully 3D action RPG.

Soar to the Sky Realm and become captain of a crew on a quest to find the legendary island of Estalucia. Create a party of four, each with unique skills, and master a deep real-time combat system. Battle enemies and score loot, solo or in up to four-player co-op.

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Persona 3 Reload

Assume the role of a transfer student whose world is turned upside-down when they discover there’s an hour hidden between one day and the next. Chase down the mysteries of this Dark Hour, fight beside and for your friends, and awaken a terrific power from inside of you in this reimagining of a genre-defining RPG experience.

Build your team, choose your mission, and dive into this remade classic with cutting-edge visuals, added scenes, new quality of life enhancements, and hyper-stylish UI.

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Star Ocean: The Second Story R

Return to a celebrated entry in the Star Ocean series with The Second Story R, a remake of the 1998 classic. Featuring new 2.5D visuals, fusing original 2D pixel art with 3D environments, this is the most beautiful way to revisit Claude’s adventures on the planet of Expel.

Enjoy new battle mechanics, full Japanese and English voice overs, fast-travel options and further quality of life additions in this definitive version, which will charm newcomers and fans alike.

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Final Fantasy: Pixel Remaster

Play through the first six Final Fantasy titles in all-new, updated 2D graphics. Enjoy a rearranged soundtrack and improved gameplay with a modernised user interface. Explore extras including a bestiary, a gallery full of illustrations, and a music player.

These are the experiences that laid the foundations for Final Fantasy becoming a globally renowned series. The six games are available as a discounted bundle or separately, so players can choose where and how to begin their adventures. 

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